Alexander Gerst training for ISS

ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst from Germany is the second of ESA's new generation of astronauts scheduled to fly into space.

He'll soon be making a long-duration stay onboard the International Space Station, launching from Baikonur end of may in a Russian Soyuz capsule with two fellow crew members.

His preparation for this mission has involved training with the Station's international partners, in Houston and Star City – both locations where he's gained experience on full-scale mockups of the elements of the ISS.